Battery and non-aqueous electrolyte

ABSTRACT

An object of the present invention is to provide a battery having excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage. The present invention is a battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the non-aqueous electrolyte contains (i) a compound represented by the general formula (1): 
       Rf—SO 2 F  (1)
 
     (where Rf is a C 1-13  linear or branched fluorine-containing alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a battery which can be suitably used in a field where durability at high temperature and high voltage is required, and to a non-aqueous electrolyte which can be suitably used for the battery.

BACKGROUND ART

Development of lithium ion secondary batteries having high energy density is moving forward along with recent reduction in size and weight of electric appliances. It is also required to improve battery properties along with expansion of the area where lithium ion secondary batteries are applied.

For example, Patent Literature 1 which aims to provide a lithium secondary battery having excellent battery chemistry properties discloses an electrolyte for lithium secondary batteries containing benzenesulphonyl fluoride or p-toluenesulphonyl fluoride.

Patent Literature 2 which aims to provide a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having high battery properties and being safe even at high temperature discloses a secondary battery including a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a compound reactive with an alcohol such as acetyl chloride or ethanoyl chloride.

Patent Literature 3 and 4 which seek an additive for suppressing gas generation and improving continuous charge characteristics and storage characteristics at high temperature disclose an electrolyte containing, as an additive, methanesulphonyl fluoride or (SO₂F)—C₃H₆—(SO₂F).

Patent Literature 5 discloses an electrolyte which aims to improve storage characteristics and cycle characteristics and contains a sulphone compound represented by CH₃OCOCF₂CF₂SO₂F and ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate as solvents.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature Patent Literature 1: JP-A 2002-359001 Patent Literature 2: JP-A 2002-21412 Patent Literature 3: JP-A 2006-49152 Patent Literature 4: JP-A 2006-49112 Patent Literature 5: JP-A 2008-146983 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, batteries for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles are required to have further excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage, and thus conventional batteries have not been considered to always have sufficient performances.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a battery having excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage.

Solution to Problem

The present inventors have carried out various studies in order to achieve the above object and as a result have found out that a battery including a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a specific compound has excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage to complete the present invention.

Thus the present invention is a battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the non-aqueous electrolyte contains (i) a compound represented by the general formula (1):

Rf—SO₂F  (1)

(where Rf is a C₁₋₁₃ linear or branched fluorine-containing alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond).

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The battery of the present invention has the above configurations and thus has excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage. Using the non-aqueous electrolyte of the present invention can provide a battery having excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective assembly diagram of a laminated cell prepared for the battery property test in Examples and Comparative Examples; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan diagram of a laminated cell prepared for the battery property test in Examples and Comparative Examples.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte.

The non-aqueous electrolyte contains (i) a compound represented by the general formula (1):

Rf—SO₂F  (1)

wherein Rf is a C₁₋₁₃ linear or branched fluorine-containing alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond.

Electrolytes containing compounds having —SO₂F have been conventionally known. However, merely having —SO₂F could not provide sufficient durability at high temperature such as capacity maintenance ratio and recovery rate at high temperature or sufficient durability at high voltage.

The battery of the present invention contains the non-aqueous electrolyte containing the compound (i) having both —SO₂F and the specific fluorine-containing alkyl group described above, thereby having excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage. The battery can be used at, for example, a high temperature such as 45° C. or more and exhibits preferable cycle characteristics at a high temperature such as 60° C. or more. The present invention is also the non-aqueous electrolyte having the above configurations.

The compound (i) may include, specifically, CF₃(CF₂)_(n)—SO₂F (n=2 to 10), CF₃(CF₂)_(n)O(CF(CF₃)CF₂)_(m)—CF(CF₃)SO₂F (n=0 to 4, m=1 to 3), CF₃CFHO—(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)_(n)—CF₂CF₂SO₂F (n=0 to 3), CF₂═CFO—(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)_(n)—CF₂CF₂SO₂F (n=0 to 3), CF₃CF₂—(OCF₂)_(n)—(OCF₂CF₂)_(m)—SO₂F (n=0 to 3, m=1 to 8), CF₃CF₂CF₂—(OCF₂CF₂CF₂)_(n)—SO₂F (n=1 to 8), CH₃CF₂CF₂—(OCF₂CF₂CF₂)_(n)—SO₂F (n=1 to 8) and the like.

The compound (i) preferably has an ether bond in view of the solubility in the non-aqueous electrolyte.

In view of further improving durability at high temperature and high voltage, the compound preferably has Rf containing a fluorine atom or a fluorine-containing alkyl group that is linked to the carbon to which —SO₂F is directly attached.

For example, the compound (i) is more preferably a compound represented by the general formula (1-1):

Rf^(a)-CX¹X²—SO₂F  (1-1)

wherein Rf^(a) is a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond and optionally hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group are totally or partly substituted by a fluorine atom(s); and X¹ and X² are the same or different and are H, F or a C₁₋₂₀ fluorine-containing alkyl group, provided that at least one of X¹ and X² is F or a C₁₋₃ fluorine-containing alkyl group).

In view of further improving durability at high temperature and high voltage, Rf^(a) is preferably a fluorine-containing alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond, more preferably a hydrofluoroalkyl group optionally containing an ether bond. Rf^(a) preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms and more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms. The term “ether bond” as used herein refers to the bond represented by —O—.

In view of further improving compatibility in the electrolyte, Rf^(a) is preferably a hydrofluoroalkyl group optionally containing an ether bond. Rf^(a) is more preferably a hydrofluoroalkyl group containing an ether bond.

In view of further improving compatibility in the electrolyte, Rf^(a) is also preferably a perfluoroalkyl group containing an ether bond and a terminal carbon-carbon double bond. The perfluoroalkyl group containing a terminal carbon-carbon double bond refers to a perfluoroalkyl group in which the bond between the terminal carbon atom and the carbon atom attached thereto is a double bond such as the group represented by CF₂═CFO(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)_(n)CF₂— (n is 0 to 3).

In view of further improving durability at high temperature and high voltage, the compound (i) is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the general formula (1-2):

Rf^(b)-CF₂—SO₂F  (1-2)

wherein Rf^(b) is a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond and optionally hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group are totally or partly substituted by a fluorine atom(s); a compound represented by the general formula (1-3):

Rf^(c)-CF(CF₃)—SO₂F  (1-3)

wherein Rf^(c) is a C₁₋₁₁ alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond and optionally hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group are totally or partly substituted by a fluorine atom(s); and a compound represented by the general formula (1-4):

Rf^(d)-CH(CF₃)—SO₂F  (1-4)

wherein Rf^(d) is a C₁₋₁₁ alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond and optionally hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group are totally or partly substituted by a fluorine atom(s).

More preferably, the compound (i) is a compound represented by the general formula (1-2). Preferably Rf^(b), Rf^(c) and Rf^(d) are respectively a fluorine-containing alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond. Preferably Rf^(b), Rf^(d) and Rf^(d) respectively contain 1 to 8 carbon atoms and more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Rf^(a), Rf^(b), Rf^(d) and Rf^(d) may include, for example, CF₃(CF₂)_(n)— (n=1 to 9), CF₃(CF₂)_(n)O(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)_(m)— (n=0 to 4, m=1 to 3), CF₃CFHO—(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)_(n)—CF₂— (n=0 to 3), CF₂═CFO—(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)_(n)—CF₂— (n=0 to 3), CF₃CF₂—(OCF₂)_(n)—(OCF₂CF₂)_(m)—OCF₂— (n=0 to 3, m=0 to 7), CF₃CF₂CF₂—(OCF₂CF₂CF₂)_(n)—OCF₂CF₂— (n=0 to 7), CH₃CF₂CF₂—(OCF₂CF₂CF₂)_(n)—OCF₂— (n=0 to 7), CH₂═CFCF₂O—(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)— (n=0 to 3) and the like. Among these, CF₃CFHO—(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)_(n)—CF₂— (n=0 to 3), CF₂═CFO—(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)_(n)—CF₂— (n=0 to 3) or CH₂═CFCF₂O—(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)— (n=0 to 3) is preferred.

The compound (i) represented by the formulae (I-2) to (1-4) is preferably at least one compound selected from the group consisting of CF₃CFHO—(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)_(n)—CF₂CF₂SO₂F (n=0 to 3) and CF₂═CFO—(CF(CF₃)CF₂O)_(n)—CF₂CF₂SO₂F (n=0 to 3).

The amount of the compound (i) is preferably 0.01 to 20% by volume relative to the non-aqueous electrolyte. In view of improving durability at high temperature and high voltage, the amount is more preferably 0.1 to 15% by volume, still more preferably 0.2 to 10% by volume and particularly preferably 5% by volume or less.

It is preferable that the non-aqueous electrolyte further contains (ii) at least one fluorine solvent selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing linear carbonate, a fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate and a fluorine-containing ether. This may confer further excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage on the battery of the present invention.

Because of excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage, the amount of the fluorine solvent (ii) is preferably 0.1% by volume or more and more preferably 1% by volume or more relative to the non-aqueous electrolyte. The amount is preferably 100% by volume or less.

(Fluorine-Containing Linear Carbonate)

Addition of the fluorine-containing linear carbonate may improve oxidation resistance.

The fluorine-containing linear carbonate is preferably, for example, a fluorine-containing carbonate represented by the general formula (4):

Rf²OCOORf³  (4)

wherein Rf² and Rf³ are the same or different and are a C₁₋₄ alkyl group, provided that at least one of Rf² and Rf³ is a fluorine-containing alkyl group, because of high flame retardancy and preferable rate characteristics and oxidation resistance.

Rf² and Rf³ may be exemplified by, for example, —CH₃, —CF₃, —CF₂CF₃, —CH(CF₃)₂, CF₃CH₂—, C₂F₅CH₂—, HCF₂CF₂CH₂—, CF₂CFHCF₂CH₂— and the like, among which CF₃CH₂— or C₂F₅CH₂— is preferable because of high flame retardancy and preferable rate characteristics and oxidation resistance.

The fluorine-containing linear carbonate may be specifically exemplified by a fluorine-containing linear carbonate such as CF₃CH₂OCOOCH₂CF₃, CF₃CH₂OCOOCH₃, CF₃CF₂CH₂OCOOCH₂CF₂CF₃, CF₃CF₂CH₂OCOOCH₃ and CF₃CH₂OCOOCH₃. Among others, at least one selected from the group consisting of CF₃CH₂OCOOCH₂CF₃, CF₃CH₂OCOOCH₃ and CF₃CF₂CH₂OCOOCH₂CF₂CF₃ is particularly preferable because of appropriate viscosity and preferable flame retardancy, compatibility with other solvents and rate characteristics. Compounds disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. H6-21992, 2000-327634 and 2001-256983 may also be mentioned.

The amount of the fluorine-containing linear carbonate is preferably 95% by volume or less relative to the non-aqueous electrolyte. When the amount of the fluorine-containing linear carbonate exceeds 95% by volume, increased resistance may result. The amount of the fluorine-containing linear carbonate is more preferably 90% by volume or less, still more preferably 85% by volume or less and particularly preferably 80% by volume or less. The amount is preferably 1% by volume or more, more preferably 2% by volume or more and still more preferably 5% by volume or more.

(Fluorine-Containing Cyclic Carbonate)

Addition of the fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate may increase dielectric constant and improve oxidation resistance and ion conductivity.

The fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate is, for example, preferably the one represented by the following formula (5):

wherein X⁴ to X⁴ are the same or different and are —H, —F, —CF₃, —CF₂H, —CFH₂, —(CF₂)_(n)CF₃ (n=0 to 8), —CH₂(CF₂)_(n)CF₃ (n 0 to 8), —CH₂OCH₂CF₂CF₃ or —CH₂OCH₂CF₂CF₂H.

At least one of X¹ to X⁴ is the one represented by —F, —CF₃, —CF₂H, —CFH₂, —(CF₂)_(n)CF₃ (n=0 to 8), —CH₂(CF₂)_(n)CF₃ (n=0 to 8), —CH₂OCH₂CF₂CF₃ or —CH₂OCH₂CF₂CF₂H.

X¹ to X⁴ are preferably —H, —F, —CF₃, —CF₂H, —CFH₂, —CF₂CF₃, —CH₂CF₃, —CH₂CF₂CF₃ or —CH₂OCH₂CF₂CF₂H, and more preferably, because of preferable dielectric constant and viscosity and excellent compatibility with other solvents, —F, —CF₃, —CH₂CF₃, —CH₂CF₂CF₃ or —CH₂OCH₂CF₂CF₂H.

In the formula (5), in a case that at least one of X¹ to X⁴ is —F, —CF₃, —CF₂H, —CFH₂, —(CF₂)_(n)CF₃ (n=0 to 8), —CH₂(CF₂)_(n)CF₃ (n=0 to 8), —CH₂OCH₂CF₂CF₃ or —CH₂OCH₂CF₂CF₂H, then —H, —F, —CF₃, —CF₂H, —CFH₂, —(CF₂)_(n)CF₃ (n=0 to 8), —CH₂(CF₂)_(n)CF₃ (n=0 to 8), —CH₂OCH₂CF₂CF₃ or —CH₂OCH₂CF₂CF₂H may be a substituent at only one or more than one position among X¹ to X⁴. Among others, the substituent is at 1 to 2 positions because of preferable dielectric constant and oxidation resistance.

In the formula (5), at least one of X¹ to X⁴ is preferably a C₂₋₄ hydrofluoroalkyl group containing an ether bond or a C₁₋₃ fluoroalkyl group.

The hydrofluoroalkyl group containing an ether bond may include HCF₂CF₂CH₂—O—CH₂—. The C₁₋₃ fluoroalkyl group may include CF₃CH₂— and CF₃CF₂CH₂—.

The amount of the fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate is preferably 60% by volume or less relative to the non-aqueous electrolyte. When the amount of the fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate exceeds 60% by volume, the viscosity may be unfavorable, thereby deteriorating rate characteristics. In view of preferable rate characteristics, the amount is more preferably 50% by volume or less and still more preferably 40% by volume or less. In view of preferable oxidation resistance, the amount is preferably 0.2% by volume or more, more preferably 0.5% by volume or more, still more preferably 1% by volume or more and particularly preferably 2% by volume or more.

The fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate is preferably the compounds described hereinbelow because excellent properties such as high dielectric constant and high withstand voltage can be exhibited and the properties of the lithium ion secondary battery of the present invention are improved due to preferable solubility for the electrolyte salt and reduction in internal resistance.

The fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate having high withstand voltage and preferable solubility for the electrolyte salt may include, for example:

and the like.

Alternatively, the fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate which may be used may include:

and the like.

In view of oxidation resistance, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following formula:

a compound represented by the following formula (fluoroethylene carbonate: FEC):

and a compound represented by the following formula:

is particularly preferred.

(Fluorine-Containing Ether)

Addition of the fluorine-containing ether may improve stability at high temperature and high voltage and safety.

The fluorine-containing ether may be exemplified by, for example, a compound represented by the following formula (6):

Rf⁴-O—Rf⁵  (6)

wherein Rf⁴ and Rf⁵ are the same or different and are a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl group or a C₁₋₁₀ fluoroalkyl group, provided that at least one of Rf⁴ and Rf⁵ is a fluoroalkyl group.

Specific examples of the fluorine-containing ether may include, for example, HCF₂CF₂CH₂OCF₂CF₂H, CF₃CF₂CH₂OCF₂CF₂H, HCF₂CF₂CH₂OCF₂CFHCF₃, CF₃CF₂CH₂OCF₂CFHCF₃, C₆F₁₃OCH₃, C₆F₁₃OC₂H₅, C₈F₁₇OCH₃, C₈F₁₇OC₂H₅, CF₃CFHCF₂CH(CH₃)OCF₂CFHCF₃, HCF₂CF₂OCH(C₂H₅)₂, HCF₂CF₂OC₄H₉, HCF₂CF₂OCH₂CH(C₂H₅)₂, HCF₂CF₂OCH₂CH(CH₃)₂ and the like. At least one selected from the group consisting of HCF₂CF₂CH₂OCF₂CF₂H, CF₃CF₂CH₂OCF₂CF₂H, HCF₂CF₂CH₂OCF₂CFHCF₃ and CF₃CF₂CH₂OCF₂CFHCF₃ is particularly preferred because it has high compatibility and provides the electrolyte with low resistance.

The fluorine content of the fluorine-containing ether which may be used for the present invention is preferably 50% by mass or more because of preferable oxidation resistance and safety. The fluorine content is particularly preferably 55 to 66% by mass. The fluorine content is calculated from the structural formula.

The amount of the fluorine-containing ether is preferably 60% by volume or less relative to non-aqueous electrolyte. When the amount of the fluorine-containing ether exceeds 60% by volume, the compatibility may be reduced and rate characteristics may be deteriorated. In view of preferable compatibility and rate characteristics, the amount is more preferably 45% by volume or less and still more preferably 40% by volume or less. In view of preferable oxidation resistance and safety, the amount is preferably 0.5% by volume or more and more preferably 2% by volume or more.

The solvent contained in the non-aqueous electrolyte may be the one consisting of at least one selected from the group consisting of the fluorine-containing linear carbonate, the fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate and the fluorine-containing ether; however, provided that the above desired charging voltage can be obtained, the non-aqueous electrolyte may contain a solvent other than the fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate, the fluorine-containing linear carbonate or the fluorine-containing ether.

For example, the non-aqueous electrolyte may contain a fluorine-containing ester, a fluorine-containing lactone, a fluoro amide, a non-fluorine-containing ester, a non-fluorine-containing linear carbonate, a non-fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate, a nitrile, a sulphone, a sulpholane and the like.

(Fluorine-Containing Ester)

The fluorine-containing ester is preferably a fluorine-containing ester represented by the following formula (7):

Rf⁶COORf⁷  (7)

wherein Rf⁶ is a C₁₋₂ fluorine-containing alkyl group; and Rf⁷ is a C₁₋₄ fluorine-containing alkyl group, because of high flame retardancy and preferable compatibility with other solvents and oxidation resistance.

Rf⁶ may be exemplified by, for example, CF₃—, CF₃CF₂—, HCF₂CF₂—, HCF₂—, CH₃CF₂—, CF₃CH₂— and the like, among which CF₃— and CF₃CF₂— are particularly preferred because of preferable rate characteristics.

Rf⁷ may be exemplified by, for example, —CF₃, —CF₂CF₃, —CH(CF₃)₂, —CH₂CF₃, —CH₂CH₂CF₃, —CH₂CF₂CFHCF₃, —CH₂C₂F₅, —CH₂CF₂CF₂H, —CH₂CH₂C₂F₅, —CH₂CF₂CF₃, —CH₂CF₂CF₂CF₃ and the like, among which —CH₂CF₃, —CH(CF₃)₂—CH₂C₂F₅ and —CH₂CF₂CF₂H are particularly preferred because of preferable compatibility with other solvents.

Specific examples of the fluorine-containing ester may include, for example, one or more of CF₃C(═O)OCH₂CF₃, CF₃C(═O)OCH₂CH₂CF₃, CF₃C(═O)OCH₂C₂F₅, CF₃C(═O)OCH₂CF₂CF₂H, CF₃C(═O)OCH(CF₃)₂ and the like, among which CF₃C(═O)OCH₂C₂F₅, CF₃C(═O)OCH₂CF₂CF₂H, CF₃C(═O)OCH₂CF₃ and CF₃C(═O)OCH(CF₃)₂ are particularly preferred because of preferable compatibility with other solvents and rate characteristics.

Addition of the fluorine-containing ester may improve oxidation resistance.

(Fluorine-Containing Lactone)

The fluorine-containing lactone may include, for example, a fluorine-containing lactone represented by the following formula (8):

wherein X⁵ to X¹⁰ are the same or different and are respectively —H, —F, —Cl, —CH₃ or a fluorine-containing alkyl group, provided that at least one of X⁵ to X¹⁰ is a fluorine-containing alkyl group.

The fluorine-containing alkyl group for X⁵ to X¹⁰ may include, for example, —CFH₂, —CF₂H, —CF₃, —CH₂CF₃, —CF₂CF₃, —CH₂CF₂CF₃, —CF(CF₃)₂ and the like, and —CH₂CF₃ and —CH₂CF₂CF₃ are preferred because of high oxidation resistance and an effect for improving safety.

Provided that at least one of X⁵ to X¹⁰ is a fluorine-containing alkyl group, —H, —F, —Cl, —CH₃ or a fluorine-containing alkyl group may be a substituent at only one or more than one position among X⁵ to X¹⁰. The substituent is preferably at 1 to 3 positions and more preferably at 1 to 2 positions in view of preferable solubility for the electrolyte salt.

The position of the substituent fluorine-containing alkyl group is not particularly limited. However, because of preferable synthetic yield, it is preferable that X⁷ and/or X⁸, particularly X⁷ or X⁸ is a fluorine-containing alkyl group, particularly —CH₂CF₃ or —CH₂CF₂CF₃. X⁵ to X¹⁰ which are not the fluorine-containing alkyl group are —H, —F, —Cl or —CH₃, and particularly —H in view of preferable solubility for the electrolyte salt.

The fluorine-containing lactone may also include, in addition to the one represented by the above formula, a fluorine-containing lactone represented by the following formula (9):

wherein one of A and B is CX¹⁶X¹⁷ (wherein X¹⁶ and X¹⁷ are the same or different and are respectively —H, —F, —Cl, —CF₃, —CH₃ or an alkylene group in which a hydrogen atom is optionally substituted by a halogen atom and which optionally contains a hetero atom in the back bone) and the other is an oxygen atom; Rf⁸ is a fluorine-containing alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond or a fluorine-containing alkoxy group; X¹¹ and X¹² are the same or different and are respectively —H, —F, —Cl, —CF₃ or —CH₃; X¹³ to X¹⁵ are the same or different and are respectively —H, —F, —Cl or an alkyl group in which a hydrogen atom is optionally substituted by a halogen atom and which optionally contains a hetero atom in the back bone; and n=0 or 1.

The fluorine-containing lactone represented by the formula (9) may be preferably a five-membered ring structure represented by the following formula (10):

wherein A, B, Rf⁸, X¹¹, X¹² and X¹³ are the same as those in the formula (9), in view of ease of synthesis and preferable chemical stability, and may further include, depending on the combination of A and B, a fluorine-containing lactone represented by the following formula (11):

wherein Rf⁸, X¹, X¹², X¹³, X¹⁶ and X¹⁷ are the same as those in the formula (9), and a fluorine-containing lactone represented by the following formula (12):

wherein Rf⁸, X¹¹, X¹², X¹³, X¹⁶ and X¹⁷ are the same as those in the formula (9).

Among others:

are preferred because excellent properties such as high dielectric constant and high withstand voltage can be exhibited, and properties of the electrolyte of the present invention are improved due to preferable solubility for the electrolyte salt and reduction in internal resistance.

Alternatively:

and the like may also be used.

Addition of the fluorine-containing lactone may improve ion conductivity, safety and stability at high temperature.

(Fluoro Amide)

The fluoro amide is a compound represented by the formula:

Rf⁹ is —CF₃, —CF₂CF₃, a fluorophenyl group or a fluoroalkylphenyl group. The fluorophenyl group preferably has 1 to 5 fluorine atoms and the one having 3 to 5 fluorine atoms is more preferable in view of preferable oxidation resistance. The fluoroalkyl group in the fluoroalkylphenyl group may include, for example, —CF₃, —C₂F₅, —HC(CF₃)₂ and the like, among which —CF₃ and —C₂F₅ are preferred in view of preferable compatibility and decreased viscosity.

R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are respectively a C₁₋₈ alkyl group. —CH₃, —C₂H₅, —C₃H₇, —C₄H₉ and the like may be specifically mentioned, among which —CH₃ and —C₂H₅ are preferred in view of decreased viscosity.

Particularly preferable fluoro amide includes the following compounds.

The non-aqueous electrolyte of the present invention may contain the fluoro amide at 10% by volume or less. When the amount of the fluoro amide exceeds 10% by volume, the viscosity may be increased and the ion conductivity may be decreased. Because of preferable stability at high temperature and high voltage even with a decreased viscosity, the amount is preferably 6% by volume or less, and because of further preferable stability at high temperature and high voltage, the amount is still more preferably 3% by volume or less. A preferable lower limit is, in view of stability at high temperature and high voltage, 0.01% by volume and more preferably 0.05% by volume.

(Non-Fluorine-Containing Ester)

The non-fluorine-containing ester may improve rate characteristics. The non-fluorine-containing ester is preferably an acetic ester, a propionic ester, a butyric ester and the like. The amount thereof is preferably 30% by volume or less and still more preferably 20% by volume or less in order to secure compatibility with the electrolyte salt. The lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by volume and more preferably 3% by volume because of an improvement in rate characteristics.

(Non-Fluorine-Containing Cyclic Carbonate)

Among non-fluorine-containing cyclic carbonates, ethylene carbonate (EC), vinylene carbonate (VC) and propylene carbonate (PC) are preferable for the electrolyte of the present invention because of high dielectric constant and particularly excellent solubility for the electrolyte salt. When the negative electrode contains a graphite material, the carbonates mentioned above allow formation of a stable film on the negative electrode. Alternatively, butylene carbonate, vinyl ethylene carbonate and the like may also be used. Among others, at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, vinylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and butylene carbonate is particularly preferable in view of dielectric constant and viscosity. The amount thereof is preferably 0 to 50% by volume and more preferably 0 to 40% by volume.

(Non-Fluorine-Containing Linear Carbonate)

The non-fluorine-containing linear carbonate may include, for example, one or more of hydrocarbon linear carbonates such as CH₃CH₂OCOOCH₂CH₃ (diethyl carbonate: DEC), CH₃CH₂OCOOCH₃ (ethyl methyl carbonate: EMC), CH₃OCOOCH₃ (dimethyl carbonate: DMC) and CH₃OCOOCH₂CH₂CH₃ (methyl propyl carbonate). Among these, at least one selected from the group consisting of DEC, EMC and DMC is preferred because of high boiling point, low viscosity and preferable properties at low temperature. The amount thereof is preferably 0 to 85% by volume and more preferably 0 to 80% by volume.

Addition of the non-fluorine-containing linear carbonate may improve properties at low temperature and load characteristics due to decreased viscosity.

(Nitrile)

The nitrile is preferably a mononitrile such as acetonitrile, propionitrile and phenylnitrile or a dinitrile such as succinonitrile and glutaronitrile.

(Sulphone, Sulpholane)

Sulphones and derivatives thereof and sulpholanes and derivatives thereof may be mentioned.

The non-aqueous electrolyte of the present invention contains an electrolyte salt (iii). The electrolyte salt

(iii) may be any electrolyte salts, among which a lithium salt is preferred. The lithium salt may include, for example, inorganic lithium salts such as LiClO₄, LiPF₆ and LiBF₄; and fluorine-containing organic acid lithium salts such as LiCF₃SO₃, LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂, LiN(C₂F₅SO₂)₂, LiN(CF₃SO₂) (C₄F₉SO₂), LiC(CF₃SO₂)₃, LiPF₄(CF₃SO₂)₂, LiPF₄(C₂F₅SO₂)_(2r) LiBF₂(CF₃)₂, LiBF₂(C₂F₅)₂, LiBF₂(CF₃SO₂)₂, lithium bis(oxalato)borate [LiBOB], a salt represented by the formula: LiPF_(a)(C_(n)F_(2n+1))_(6-a) (wherein a is an integer of 0 to 5 and n is an integer of 1 to 6), which may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, LiPF₆, LiBF_(4r) LiCF₃SO₃, LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂, LiN(C₂F₅SO₂)₂, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate, lithium bis(oxalato)borate or a salt represented by the formula: LiPF_(a)(C_(n)F_(2n+1))_(6-a) (wherein a is an integer of 0 to 5 and n is an integer of 1 to 6), particularly LiPF₆ or LiBF₄ is preferred. A combination of an inorganic lithium salt such as LiPF₆ or LiBF₄ and a fluorine-containing organic lithium salt such as LiCF₃SO₃, LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂ or LiN(C₂F₅SO₂)₂ is preferable because of decreased deterioration after storage at high temperature.

The salt represented by the formula: LiPF_(a)(C_(n)F_(2n+2))_(6-a) may include LiPF₃(CF₃)₃, LiPF₃(C₂F₅)₃, LiPF₃ (C₃F₇)₃, LiPF₃ (C₄F₉)₃, LiPF₄(CF₃)₂, LiPF₄(C₂F₅)₂, LiPF₄(C₃F₇)₂, LiPF₄(C₄F₉)₂ (wherein the alkyl groups represented by C₃F₇ and C₄F₉ may be linear or branched) and the like.

The electrolyte salt (iii) is preferably, among others, a lithium salt selected from the group consisting of LiBF₄, LiPF₆, LiCF₃SO₃, LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂, LiN(C₂F₅SO₂)₂, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate, lithium bis(oxalato)borate and a salt represented by the formula: LiPF_(a)(C_(n)F_(2n+1))_(6-a) (wherein a is an integer of 0 to 5 and n is an integer of 1 to 6).

The concentration of the electrolyte salt (iii) in the non-aqueous electrolyte is preferably 0.5 to 3 mol/litre. When the concentration is outside of this range, the electrical conductivity of the electrolyte is lowered, whereby battery performances may be reduced.

The non-aqueous electrolyte may contain, within the range that does not impair the effects of the present invention, other additives such as a nonflammability imparting agent (flame retardant), a surfactant, a high dielectric effect imparting agent, a cycle characteristics and rate characteristics improving agent and an overcharge preventing agent.

The nonflammability imparting agent (flame retardant) which may be added in order to improve nonflammability and flame retardancy may include a phosphate ester. The phosphate ester may include fluorine-containing alkyl phosphate esters, non-fluorine-containing alkyl phosphate esters, aryl phosphate esters and the like, among which fluorine-containing alkyl phosphate esters are preferred because they can highly contribute to nonflammability of the electrolyte and can exhibit nonflammability effect at a low amount.

The fluorine-containing alkyl phosphate esters may include fluorine-containing dialkyl phosphate esters disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H11-233141, cyclic alkyl phosphate esters disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H11-283669 as well as fluorine-containing trialkyl phosphate esters.

In order to improve flame retardancy, a flame retardant such as (CH₃O)₃P═O and (CF₃CH₂O)₃P═O may also be added.

The surfactant may be added in order to improve capacitance characteristics and rate characteristics.

The surfactant may be any of cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants. However, a fluorine-containing surfactant is preferred because of preferable cycle characteristics and rate characteristics.

A fluorine-containing carboxylic salt represented by the following formula (14):

Rf¹⁰COO⁻M⁺  (14)

wherein Rf¹⁰ is a C₃₋₁₀ fluorine-containing alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond; and M⁺ is Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ or NHR′₃ ⁺ (wherein a plurality of R′ is the same or different and is respectively H or a C₁₋₃ alkyl group), and a fluorine-containing sulphonic salt represented by the following formula (15):

Rf¹¹SO₃ ⁻M⁺  (15)

wherein Rf¹¹ is a C₃₋₁₀ fluorine-containing alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond; and M⁺ is Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ or NHR′₃ ⁺ (wherein a plurality of R′ is the same or different and is respectively H or a C₁₋₃ alkyl group) may be preferably exemplified.

The amount of the surfactant is preferably 0.01 to 2% by mass of the non-aqueous electrolyte in view of reduction in surface tension of the electrolyte without deteriorating charge-discharge cycle characteristics.

The high dielectric effect imparting agent may be exemplified by, for example, sulpholane, methyl sulpholane, γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone, acetonitrile, propionitrile and the like.

The cycle characteristics and rate characteristics improving agent may be exemplified by methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane and the like.

The overcharge preventing agent may include aromatic compounds such as cyclohexylbenzene, biphenyl, alkylbiphenyl, terphenyl, partial hydrogenation products of terphenyl, t-butylbenzene, t-amylbenzene, diphenyl ether, benzofuran, dibenzofuran, hexafluorobenzene, fluorobenzene, dichloroaniline and toluene; partial fluorination products of the aromatic compounds such as 2-fluorobiphenyl; and fluorine-containing anisole compounds such as 2,4-difluoroanisole, 2,5-difluoroanisole and 2,6-difluoroanisole. Addition of the overcharge preventing agent at 0.1 to 5% by weight to the non-aqueous electrolyte may suppress burst and ignition of the battery upon overcharge and the like.

The battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

A positive electrode active material used for the positive electrode is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of cobalt composite oxides, nickel composite oxides, manganese composite oxides, iron composite oxides and vanadium composite oxides because these oxides have high energy density and can provide a secondary battery with high output. The cobalt composite oxides, nickel composite oxides, manganese composite oxides, iron composite oxides and vanadium composite oxides may include the following compounds. The battery of the present invention preferably has a charging voltage of 3.5 V or more. The upper limit of the charging voltage is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 5.0 V.

One of preferable embodiments of the battery of the present invention has a charging voltage of 4.3 V or more and includes the positive electrode containing, as a positive electrode active material, a lithium transition metal oxide represented by the following formula (2-1):

Li_(a)M¹ _(2-(a−b))M² _(b)O₂  (2-1)

wherein M¹ is Mn, Ni, V or Fe; M² is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn, Al, Sn, B, Ga, Cr, V, Sr, Ca, In, Si, Ge and Ti; provided that 0.4≦a≦1.2 and 0≦b≦0.6 and M¹ and M² are different, or a lithium transition metal oxide represented by the following formula (2-2):

Li_(c)M³ _(2-d)M⁴ _(d)O₄  (2-2)

wherein M³ is Mn, Ni, V, Co, Al or Fe; M⁴ is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn, Al, Sn, B, Ga, Cr, V, Sr, Ca, In, Si, Ge and Ti; provided that 0.9≦c and 0≦d≦1.5 and M³ and M⁴ are different, because high charging voltage can be obtained.

When the positive electrode is used which contains LiCoO₂ as the positive electrode active material, using conventional non-aqueous electrolytes may sometimes provide an improvement in durability at high temperature and high voltage. However, when the positive electrode is used which contains the lithium transition metal oxide containing Mn, Ni, V or Fe as described above as the positive electrode active material, conventional non-aqueous electrolytes could not provide a sufficient improvement effect.

Even when the positive electrode is used which contains the lithium transition metal oxide as the positive electrode active material, the battery of the present invention in which the non-aqueous electrolyte containing the compound (i) is used provides particularly excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage.

It is also preferable that when the positive electrode contains the lithium transition metal phosphate compound represented by the formula (2-1) or (2-2) as the positive electrode active material, the battery of the present invention has a charging voltage of 4.35 V or more.

In view of increasing the charging voltage, M¹ is preferably Ni or Mn.

M² is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co and Al.

M³ is preferably Fe, Co or Al and more preferably Fe or Co.

M⁴ is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni and Mn.

The positive electrode preferably contains, as the positive electrode active material, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of LiMnO₂, LiMn₂O₄, LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O₄, LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.15)Al_(0.05)O₂, LiNi_(1/3)Co_(1/3)Mn_(1/3)O₂, LiNi_(0.8)CO_(0.2)O₂, Li_(1.2)Fe_(0.4)Mn_(0.4)O₂ and LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)O₂ because the lithium secondary battery with high energy density and high output can be provided. More preferably, the positive electrode contains, as the positive electrode active material, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of LiMnO₂, LiNiO₂, LiMn₂O₄, LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O₄, LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.15)Al_(0.05)O₂ and LiNi_(1/3)Co_(1/3)Mn_(1/3)O₂.

In view of safety and cycle characteristics, a preferable embodiment of the battery of the present invention includes the positive electrode containing, as the positive electrode active material, a lithium transition metal phosphate compound represented by the following formula (3):

Li_(e)M⁵ _(1-f)M⁶ _(f)PO₄  (3)

wherein M⁵ is Fe, V, Ni, Co or Mn; M⁶ is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn, Al, Sn, B, Ga, Cr, V, Sr, Ca, In, Si, Ge and Ti; provided that 0.9≦e≦1.2 and 0≦f≦0.3 and M⁵ and M⁶ are different.

When the positive electrode is used which contains the lithium transition metal phosphate compound as the positive electrode active material, conventional non-aqueous electrolytes could not sufficiently improve durability at high temperature and high voltage. However, by using the non-aqueous electrolyte containing the compound (i) the battery of the present invention has, even when the positive electrode is used which contains the lithium transition metal phosphate compound as the positive electrode active material, particularly excellent durability at high temperature and high voltage.

It is preferable that when the positive electrode contains the lithium transition metal phosphate compound represented by the formula (3) as the positive electrode active material, the battery of the present invention has a charging voltage of 3.5 V or more.

When the lithium transition metal phosphate compound such as LiFePO₄ is used as the positive electrode active material, the charging voltage is generally 3.1 to 3.3 V. However, the battery of the present invention exhibits excellent durability even when it is used at voltage as high as 3.5 V or more.

In view of cycle characteristics and safety, M⁵ is preferably Fe, V or Co and more preferably Fe or V.

M⁶ is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni and Mn.

The positive electrode is preferably at least one compound selected from the group consisting of LiFePO₄, LiCoPO₄, LiVPO₄, LiMnPO₄, LiCoPO₄, LiNiPO₄ and modified products thereof because both properties at high voltage and safety can be achieved. Among others, in view of safety and cycle characteristics, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of LiFePO₄, LiVPO₄, LiMnPO₄, LiNiO₄ and LiCoPO₄ is more preferred.

The positive electrode active material other than the compounds represented by the formulae (2-1), (2-2) and (3) may be exemplified by LiV₃O₆, Li₂MnO₃ and the like.

The amount of the positive electrode active material is preferably 50 to 99% by mass and more preferably 80 to 99% by mass of the positive electrode mixture in view of high battery capacity.

When the present invention is used for large lithium ion secondary batteries for hybrid vehicles and dispersed power sources, high output is required. Therefore it is preferable that particles of the positive electrode active material mainly contain secondary particles and that the secondary particles have an average particle diameter of 40 μm or less and contain 0.5 to 7.0% by volume of fine particles having an average primary particle diameter of 1 μm or less. Inclusion of fine particles having an average primary particle diameter of 1 μm or less allows an increase in the contact area of the particles with the electrolyte and facilitates diffusion of lithium ions between the electrode and the electrolyte, thereby resulting in an improvement in output performances.

A binding agent for the positive electrode may be any material as far as it is safe against solvents used for preparation of the electrode and against the electrolyte.

For example, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers and ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers and the like may be mentioned.

A thickening agent for the positive electrode may include carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, oxidized starch, phosphated starch, casein and the like.

A current collector for the positive electrode may be formed with a material including a metal such as aluminium, titanium or tantalum and an alloy thereof, among which aluminium or an alloy thereof is preferred.

A conductive material may include carbon materials such as graphite, carbon black and the like.

The solvent may include N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, methyl isobutyl ketone, xylene and the like, among which N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is preferred.

The material for the negative electrode in the lithium ion secondary battery may be carbon materials capable of absorbing and storing and releasing lithium such as thermolysis products of organic substances under various thermolysis conditions, synthetic graphite and natural graphite; metal oxide materials capable of absorbing and storing and releasing lithium such as tin oxide and silicon oxide; lithium metal; various lithium alloys and the like. Two or more negative electrode materials among these may be mixed and used.

The carbon material capable of absorbing and storing and releasing lithium is preferably synthetic graphite produced by processing graphitizing pitch derived from various starting materials at high temperature or purified natural graphite of products obtained by subjecting the above graphite to surface treatment with pitch or other organic substances prior to carbonization.

The negative electrode may be produced according to a conventional method. For example, a method may be mentioned in which the negative electrode material is added with a binder, a thickening agent, a conductive material, a solvent and the like to obtain slurry which is then applied on the current collector before drying and pressing for compacting.

The binding agent may be any material as far as it is safe against solvents used for preparation of the electrode and against the electrolyte. For example, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers and ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers and the like may be mentioned.

The thickening agent may include carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, oxidized starch, phosphated starch, casein and the like.

The conductive material may include metal materials such as copper and nickel; carbon materials such as graphite and carbon black.

A current collector for the negative electrode may be formed with a material including copper, nickel or stainless, among which a copper foil is preferable in view of processability thereof to a thin film and the cost.

The battery of the present invention preferably further contains a separator. The separator for the battery of the present invention may be any in the material and shape thereof as far as it is stable in the electrolyte and can sufficiently retain liquid. Among others, the separator is preferably a porous sheet made from polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene or a non-woven cloth.

The shape of the battery of the present invention is not limited and may be, for example, in the form of a cylinder, rectangular, coin and the like, or may be a laminated type or may be a large battery. The shape and configuration of the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the separator can be modified according to the shape of the battery.

The battery of the present invention is particularly useful as an electrolyte for large lithium ion secondary batteries for hybrid vehicles and dispersed power sources. Alternatively, it is also useful as a non-aqueous electrolyte for small lithium ion secondary batteries.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is further specifically illustrated by way of Examples and Comparative Examples.

However the present invention is not limited only to these Examples.

Examples 1 to 48 and Comparative Examples 1 to 12

(Preparation of Battery)

The following four positive electrode active materials were used to prepare electrodes:

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄: hereinafter also referred to as “LFP”); LiNi_(1/3)Mn_(1/3)Co_(1/3)O₂ (the molar ratio of Ni, Mn and Co is 1:1:1) (hereinafter also referred to as “NCM”); Spinel manganese (LiMn₂O₄: hereinafter also referred to as “LMO”); and Nickel manganese (LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O₄: hereinafter also referred to as “NiMn”).

Synthetic graphite was used as the negative electrode active material to prepare the electrode.

The positive electrode active materials used for preparation of the electrodes were LFP for Examples 1 to 13 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, NCM for Examples 14 to 26 and Comparative Examples 4 to 6, LMO for Examples 27 to 39 and Comparative Examples 7 to 9 and NiMn for Examples 40 to 48 and Comparative Examples 10 to 12.

(Preparation of Electrolyte)

The components A, B, C, D and E and other components were mixed at the volume ratio indicated in the following Tables 1 to 4 to prepare non-aqueous solvents for electrolyte salt dissolution. An electrolyte salt was added to the non-aqueous solvents for electrolyte salt dissolution so as to be the concentration of 1 mol/litre, which was uniformly dissolved.

The following components were used for preparation of electrolytes.

Component A: Rf—SO₂F

A1: CF₃CFHOCF₂CF₂SO₂F A2: CF₃CFHOCF(CF₃)CF₂OCF₂CF₂SO₂F A3: CF₂═CFOCF₂CF₂SO₂F A4: CF₂═CFOCF(CF₃)CF₂OCF₂CF₂SO₂F

Component B: cyclic carbonate

B1: EC B2: PC B3: VC B4: FEC B5: CF₃CH₂-EC B6: HCF₂CF₂CH₂OCH₂-EC

Component C: linear carbonate

C1: DMC C2: EMC C3: DEC C4: CF₃CH₂OCOOCH₃ C5: CF₃CH₂OCOOCH₂CF₃

Component D: fluoroether

D1: CF₃CF₂CH₂OCF₂CFHCF₃ D2: HCF₂CF₂CH₂OCF₂CF₂H

Component E: electrolyte salt

E1: LiPF₆ E2: LiBF₄ E3: LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂ E4: LiBOB

Other Components

PS: propane sultone SN: succinonitrile

CH₃SO₂F CH₃Ph-SO₂F

(Preparation of Laminated Cell)

The positive electrode active material obtained by mixing each positive electrode active material, carbon black and polyvinylidene fluoride (Kureha Corporation; trade name: KF-1000) at 92/3/5 (ratio in % by mass) was dispersed in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone to obtain slurry. The slurry was uniformly applied on a positive electrode current collector (an aluminium foil with a thickness of 15 μm) and dried to form a positive electrode mixture layer. The resulting product was compression-moulded on a roller press and cut prior to welding a lead wire to prepare a strip-shaped positive electrode.

Meanwhile to synthetic graphite powder (Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd; trade name: MAG-D) was added styrene-butadiene rubber dispersed in distilled water so as to obtain the solid content of 6% by mass, and mixed in a disperser to obtain slurry. The slurry was uniformly applied on a negative electrode current collector (a copper foil with a thickness of 10 μm) and dried to form a negative electrode mixture layer. The resulting product was compression-moulded on a roller press and cut and dried prior to welding a lead wire to prepare a strip-shaped negative electrode.

As shown in the schematic perspective assembly diagram of FIG. 1, the strip-shaped positive electrode 1 was cut into 40 mm×72 mm (with a positive electrode terminal 4 of 10 mm×10 mm) and the strip-shaped negative electrode 2 was cut into 42 mm×74 mm (with a negative electrode terminal 5 of 10 mm×10 mm) and lead wires were connected to the terminals by welding. A separator 3 obtained by cutting a fine porous polyethylene film having a thickness of 20 μm into the dimension of 78 mm×46 mm was arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. They were placed in, as shown in FIG. 2, an aluminium laminated packaging material 6 to which 2 ml of electrolyte of the respective Examples and Comparative Examples was then placed. The packaging material 6 was sealed to prepare a laminated cell having a capacity of about 80 mAh.

(Cycle Characteristics)

The obtained laminated cells were subjected to charge-discharge cycles in which the cells were charged at 1.00 up to predetermined voltage depending on the positive electrode active material until the charging current of 1/10 C was obtained, discharged with current of 0.2 C up to 2.5 V and subsequently charged at 1.00 up to predetermined voltage depending on the positive electrode active material until the charging current of 1/10 C was obtained. The temperature was maintained at 60° C.

Discharge capacity after 5 cycles and discharge capacity after 100 cycles with 1 cycle corresponding to one charge and one discharge were measured and the capacity maintenance ratio (%) was calculated as the proportion of the discharge capacity after 100 cycles relative to the discharge capacity after 5 cycles.

The capacity maintenance ratio was calculated, with the initial discharge capacity being 100%, by measuring the residual capacity after charge and subsequent storage at 85° C. for 5 hrs. The cells were subsequently subjected to one more cycle at room temperature and measured for discharge capacity to calculate the recovery rate.

The laminated cells prepared as above were subjected to measurements of cycle characteristics and measurements of capacity maintenance ratio/recovery rate under the following conditions.

The charging voltage was 3.6 V when lithium iron phosphate (LFP) was used in the positive electrode;

the charging voltage was 4.35 V when NCM was used in the positive electrode;

the charging voltage was 4.2 V when spinel manganese (LMO) was used in the positive electrode; and

the charging voltage was 4.95 V when nickel manganese (NiMn) was used in the positive electrode.

The discharging voltage was 2.5 V in the test.

The results are shown in Tables 1 to 4.

TABLE 1 LFP/synthetic graphite 3.6-V system Com- Com- Com- par- par- par- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Exam- Exam- Exam- Exam- ative ative ative am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- ple ple ple ple Exam- Exam- Exam- ple 1 ple 2 ple 3 ple 4 ple 5 ple 6 ple 7 ple 8 ple 9 10 11 12 13 ple 1 ple 2 ple 3 A1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 A2 2 A3 2 A4 2 B1 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 B2 B3 2 2 B4 2 B5 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 B6 2 C1 C2 68 64 66 64 64 61 62 62 62 62 62 62 62 70 68 68 C3 C4 C5 D1 D2 2 2 2 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 E1 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M E2 E3 E4 CH₃SO₂F 2 CH₃Ph—SO₂F 2 Cycle 92 90 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 94 93 89 86 82 84 76 characteristics Maintenance ratio 87 82 89 90 91 91 92 93 94 91 89 86 81 71 73 68 (%) Recovery rate 89 86 91 92 92 93 94 95 96 93 91 87 86 74 77 72 (%)

TABLE 2 NCM/synthetic graphite 4.35-V system Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Compar- Compar- Compar- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- Exam- ative ative ative ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple Exam- Exam- Exam- 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 ple 4 ple 5 ple 6 A1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 A2 2 A3 2 A4 2 B1 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 20 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 B2 B3 2 1 2 2 B4 1 4 2 B5 2 1 1 1 B6 2 C1 15 15 C2 68 66 63 61 61 56 33 50 42 62 55 59 61 70 68 68 C3 C4 C5 D1 D2 5 5 5 10 20 15 20 5 10 4.9 4.9 E1 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M E2 E3 E4 PS 2 2 SN 0.1 0.1 CH₃SO₂F 2 CH₃Ph—SO₂F 2 Cycle 86 84 88 90 90 92 93 94 95 92 93 86 89 73 75 70 characteristics Maintenance ratio 81 79 84 85 84 85 86 90 92 86 89 81 83 68 69 64 (%) Recovery rate 85 80 85 86 85 86 88 93 94 88 91 83 84 71 72 68 (%)

TABLE 3 LMO/synthetic graphite 4.2-V system Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Ex- Compar- Compar- Compar- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- am- Exam- ative ative ative ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple Exam- Exam- Exam- 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 ple 7 ple 8 ple 9 A1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 A2 2 A3 2 A4 2 B1 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 B2 5 B3 2 1 2 2 B4 1 4 2 B5 2 1 1 1 B6 2 C1 15 15 C2 68 66 48 31 46 56 51 55 62 62 57 56 61 70 68 68 C3 15 15 C4 5 C5 5 D1 5 D2 5 5 5 5 10 5 5 10 10 5 E1 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 0.8M 0.8M 0.8M 1M 1M 1M 1M E2 0.2M E3 0.2M E4 0.2M CH₃SO₂F 2 CH₃Ph—SO₂F 2 Cycle 87 86 86 91 90 93 93 89 91 93 93 88 91 77 75 71 characteristics Maintenance ratio 82 80 82 84 83 86 83 83 87 85 89 83 85 72 69 64 (%) Recovery rate 84 81 83 87 86 87 87 86 89 88 91 86 87 74 73 68 (%)

TABLE 4 NiMn/synthetic graphite 4.95-V system Exam- Exam- Exam- Exam- Exam- Exam- Exam- Exam- Comparative Comparative Comparative ple ple ple ple ple ple ple ple Example Example Example Example 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 10 11 12 A1  2  2  2  2 A2  2  2  2 A3  2 A4  2 B1 30 30 30 B2 B3 B4 20 10 10 20 28 28 28 28 18 B5 10 10 10 10 10 B6  2 C1 C2 28 38 70 68 68 C3 C4 63 53 30 70 70 70 60 60 C5 13 D1 D2  5 10 20 30 10 10 E1 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M 1M E2 E3 E4 CH₃SO₂F  2 CH₃Ph—SO₂F  2 Cycle 92 93 91 92 87 85 83 88 90 35 32 28 characteristics Maintenance ratio 84 86 84 86 65 63 62 70 72 20 23 20 (%) Recovery rate 88 87 88 88 87 88 86 90 92 28 30 30 (%)

In Tables 1 to 4, the unit for the values indicated in the columns of A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, D1, D2, PS, SN, CH₃SO₂F and CH₃Ph-SO₂F is “% by volume”.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The battery of the present invention can be suitably used as batteries in the area where durability at high temperature and high voltage is required such as electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Positive electrode -   2 Negative electrode -   3 Separator -   4 Positive electrode terminal -   5 Negative electrode terminal -   6 Aluminium laminated packaging material 

1. A battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the non-aqueous electrolyte contains (i) a compound represented by the general formula (1): Rf—SO₂F  (1) (where Rf is a C₁₋₁₃ linear or branched fluorine-containing alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond).
 2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous electrolyte further contains (ii) at least one fluorine solvent selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing linear carbonate, a fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate and a fluorine-containing ether; and (iii) an electrolyte salt, and wherein an amount of the compound (i) represented by the general formula (1) is 0.01 to 20% by volume relative to a total volume of the non-aqueous electrolyte.
 3. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the positive electrode contains, as a positive electrode active material, a lithium transition metal oxide represented by the following formula (2-1): Li_(a)M¹ _(2-(a+b))M² _(b)O₂  (2-1) (where M¹ is Mn, Ni, V or Fe; M² is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn, Al, Sn, B, Ga, Cr, V, Sr, Ca, In, Si, Ge and Ti; provided that 0.4≦a≦1.2 and 0≦b≦0.6, and M¹ and M² are different); or a lithium transition metal oxide represented by the formula (2-2): Li_(c)M³ _(2-d)M⁴ _(d)O₄  (2-2) (where M³ is Mn, Ni, V, Co, Al or Fe; M⁴ is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn, Al, Sn, B, Ga, Cr, V, Sr, Ca, In, Si, Ge and Ti; provided that 0.9≦c and 0≦d≦1.5, and M³ and M⁴ are different).
 4. The battery according to claim 1, having a charging voltage of 4.3 V or more.
 5. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the positive electrode contains, as a positive electrode active material, a lithium transition metal phosphate compound represented by the following formula (3): Li_(e)M⁵ _(1-f)M⁶ _(f)PO₄  (3) (where M⁵ is Fe, V, Ni, Co or Mn; M⁶ is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn, Al, Sn, B, Ga, Cr, V, Sr, Ca, In, Si, Ge and Ti; provided that 0.9≦e≦1.2, 0≦f≦0.3, and M⁵ and M⁶ are different).
 6. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the compound (i) is a compound represented by the general formula (1-1): Rf^(a)—CX¹X²—SO₂F  (1-1) (where Rf^(a) is a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond and optionally hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group are totally or partly substituted by a fluorine atom(s); and X¹ and X² are the same or different and are H, F or a C₁₋₁₀ fluorine-containing alkyl group, provided that at least one of X¹ and X² is F or a C₁₋₃ fluorine-containing alkyl group).
 7. The battery according to claim 6, wherein Rf^(a) is a hydrofluoroalkyl group optionally containing an ether bond.
 8. The battery according to claim 6, wherein Rf^(a) is a hydrofluoroalkyl group containing an ether bond.
 9. The battery according to claim 6, wherein Rf^(a) is a perfluoroalkyl group containing an ether bond and a terminal carbon-carbon double bond.
 10. A non-aqueous electrolyte comprising: (i) a compound represented by the general formula (1): Rf—SO₂F  (1) (where Rf is a C₁₋₁₃ fluorine-containing alkyl group optionally containing an ether bond and optionally containing a double bond); (ii) at least one fluorine solvent selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate, a fluorine-containing linear carbonate and a fluorine-containing ether; and (iii) an electrolyte salt. 